A PROMISING young playmaker has been suspended from rugby league after he tested positive to a banned stimulant.

Fairfax Media can reveal that Steve Komene, a half for the Western Reds in the SG Ball competition, is serving a provisional suspension from March 30 of last year after testing positive to 1,3-dimethylamylamine (methylhexanamine).

The ban is subject to a hearing and if no defence is established, the 18-year-old player will be sidelined for two years. The matter, which falls under the jurisdiction of the NSWRL, is yet to be heard.

Komene intends to plead not guilty. He will be represented by Perth lawyer Tony McCarthy, who is taking the case on a pro bono basis.

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McCarthy is legal counsel for the Western Force Super 15 franchise in judiciary matters.

Former Parramatta players Tom Humble and Brendan Oake were sidelined for unwittingly taking the same stimulant while playing for the Eels' feeder club Wentworthville during a NSW Cup fixture in 2010. A NSWRL anti-doping tribunal heard there was ''no substantial fault or negligence'' on the part of the players, and the provisional bans the pair had already served were deemed sufficient punishment. They returned to the field in May the following year. The trainers who allegedly supplied the players with the substance parted with the club shortly afterwards.

According to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority website, methylhexanamine is classed as a stimulant on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list and is prohibited in-competition. The substance is found in a range of easily obtainable products including Jack3d, OxyELITE Pro, White Lightning and Hemo Rage.

In previous cases involving the stimulant, athletes have been banned for periods ranging from six months to two years.

The use of supplements has come under scrutiny following the Australian Crime Commission's report into the use of drugs in sport and links to organised crime.

The NRL has reacted by establishing a hot line through which any player, official or consultant, past or present, can provide information about doping.

Players will be able to provide confidential information, obtain advice on doping concerns and give information that could reduce the level of any sanction.

The NRL is set to provide a separate service this week to allow fans, officials and past and present players to give information on doping.

''We remain convinced that the absolute majority of players in our game are doing the right thing for sport and for rugby league,'' NRL chief executive Dave Smith said.

''This is, therefore, a difficult time and we accept there are a lot of unanswered questions and that there are a number of issues we cannot provide certainty on. If any player has any doubts, then the help line may assist.

''The fact remains that rugby league has been a point of focus in the Australian Crime Commission investigations.

''The crime commission has information pertaining to a number of clubs and a number of players, and our responsibility is to co-operate with the authorities in further investigating that information.

''Regardless of those outcomes, we have an opportunity to emerge stronger as a game by strengthening our procedures and resources going forward, and the integrity unit will be a significant step.

''The more people come forward with information the closer we are to being able to get some certainty for everyone. Any NRL player or official who may have been involved with performance-enhancing substances, who has knowledge or who has serious doubts about procedures at a club, should use the help line to take advantage of what may only be a brief window of opportunity.

''A person who comes forward now and who provides meaningful assistance that leads to further matters being proven could face a reduced sanction under the policy.''

Players with information are urged to call 1300 550 485. An ASADA intelligence officer will talk to them on a confidential basis.